Barn Cat Placement Program

The Circle of Friends Humane Society is pleased to announce our Barn Cat Placement Program. We are looking for cat lovers who have a barn or other secure outdoor structure and are interested in adopting cats that are not suitable for life inside of a house or are unhappy living inside. Cat temperaments range from feral to friendly. This program is designed to find homes for cats that have traditionally been deemed un-adoptable.

If you have a safe, warm barn and would like to adopt barn cats, please fill out and return the Barn Cat Application (link at bottom of page) to barncats@gfpets.com.

We are developing a waiting list of people to call when we have such cats come into the shelter. You may also mail or fax your application to:
Circle of Friends Humane Society
c/o Barn Cat Program
4375 N Washington St.
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Fax: 701-787-3032

What is the Adoption Fee?
The adoption fee for a fully vaccinated, spayed, neutered cat is $10. You are welcome to make a larger, tax-deductible donation if you would like.

Why two cats?
Alley Cat Allies recommends that at least two cats always be moved together. They should be cats who have formed a bond or at least get along with each other. The move will be less traumatic and adjustment to their new home easier if they have the security of one or more trusted companions.

Why do they have to be confined for the first 2-3 weeks?
Cats need to be confined initially in their new home for at least two to three weeks in order to familiarize the cats with their new environment, so that they will remain on the premises. Even though there are instances of cats remaining when they have escaped upon arrival, this is rare and most cats will take off, never to be seen again. Other than being dangerous for the cat, this can be traumatic for the caregiver who has usually put a lot of time, energy, money, and care into the cat.

Some people see confinement as cruel, but a short confinement period is a very necessary part of the relocation project. Not confining the cats and having them run off could mean a far worse fate for the cats. You should know that during the first day or two, the cats may struggle to find a way out. Most cats settle down in the crate after a day or two when they realize that no harm will befall them.

How are the cats confined?
The adopter should be equipped with an extra-large dog crate or with a large exercise pen covered with mesh wire (COFHS may be able to provide these supplies free of charge). We will also provide a small, plastic crate that will be placed inside and to the back of the larger enclosure. A cardboard box can also be used for the cat to hide in, in the larger crate. items will be returned to COFHS at the end of the three week confinement period. The cats will be provided with: a litter box, which needs to be scooped or cleaned at least three times a week; dry food and fresh water at all times; and a portion of canned food every day. It is recommended that a portion of the cage/crate be covered with a sheet. This will allow the cats to feel more protected and hidden.

In winter, the small crate should be bedded with thick towels or straw. Additionally, the caregiver may wish to place bales of straw around the enclosure to help maintain warmth for the confined cats. During winter, the caretaker must be sure to give fresh water throughout the day as the cat’s water becomes frozen. There are various devices available to keep water from freezing. We can provide sites where these can be purchased. In summer, proper ventilation is vital to prevent overheating. Cats can and do become overheated.

What happens after the confinement period?
It’s best to close all doors and windows in the barn, open the crate door in the evening, then leave. The cats will want to explore their new surroundings all night, as they are nocturnal. By morning they will have found good hiding places, although they may prefer the security of their crate. You can ease the transition by continuing to place their food and water in the crate for a few days with the door open. You will need to continue providing daily food and water after the crate is removed. Cats are territorial creatures. They will usually maintain a home base once their scent has been established, a continuous food source is provided and they feel safe.

DO NOT RELEASE IF IT IS RAINING or the POTENTIAL FOR RAIN

Cats find their home by scent and rain will wash it away. Waiting one more day will not hurt. Leave the crates up for an additional five days, so the cats can get back in if they want. After the release, we hope they think of that barn as home and decide to stay.

What if the cats don’t like their new home?
They will like the regular food and water you provide (cats cannot live on mousing alone). They may even begin to show affection. The key to success will be your patience while they adapt to the sights, sounds and smells of their new surroundings. Continue to speak softly to them.

Get Informed: Discover the Truth about Feral Cats

A feral cat is not socialized to humans.
Though feral cats are members of the domestic cat species and are protected under state anti-cruelty laws, they are typically fearful of humans.

Feral cats should not be taken to animal control pounds and shelters.
Feral cats’ needs are not met by the current animal control and shelter system because animals who are not adoptable are euthanized. Even no-kill shelters are not able to place feral cats.

Feral kittens can be adopted.
Feral kittens can often be adopted into homes, but they must be socialized at an early age. There is a critical window and if they aren’t handled in time, they will remain feral and therefore unadoptable.

Feral cats can have the same lifespan as pet cats.
And they are just as healthy too. The incidence of disease in feral cats is just as low as in pet cats. They live healthy, natural lives on their own, content in their outdoor home.

Humans are the cause of wildlife depletion.
Studies show that the overwhelming cause of wildlife depletion is destruction of natural habitat due to manmade structures, chemical pollution, pesticides and drought — not feral cats.

Catch and kill doesn’t work.
Cats choose to reside in locations for two reasons: there is a food source—(intended or not)—and shelter. When cats are removed from a location, survivors breed to capacity or new cats move in. This vacuum effect is well documented.

Trap-Neuter-Return does work.
No more kittens. The population stabilizes and their lives are improved. The behaviors and stresses associated with mating, such as yowling or fighting, stop. The cats are vaccinated before being returned to their outdoor home. Not only does Trap-Neuter-Return make good sense, it is also a responsible, humane method of care for outdoor cats.

You can make a difference and save lives.
Together, we can educate people about feral cats and the fact that they don't belong in shelters and do not necessarily have to be euthanized.

Special thanks to Kitsap Humane Society of Silverdale, WA for their contribution.

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